Sattler says Maroons need new blood for State of Origin

by jspasaro

Josh Spasaro
Sports Journalist

I spent four years in country newspapers before taking on a dream role of covering national and international sports news across the entire APN network, in early 2012.
I learnt my trade in Kingaroy, Queanbeyan and Lismore doing it all – design, photography and headline writing.
I am now the envy of all my friends and family members, now that I have the privilege of covering Origin, Bledisloe Cups, footy grand finals and other top international sporting events.
Yes, I wouldn’t trade this job for...

With legend Petero Civoniceva retired, and Broncos enforcer Ben Hannant out of game one on June 5 with a calf injury, Sattler said McGuire was ready to make the big step up to the Origin cauldron.

"He's young, aggressive and has good strength in his legs," Sattler, who was born in New South Wales but went to school and played his junior football on the Gold Coast, said.

"Being a part of the Broncos system is also an advantage - they manage their players very similar to what they do in the Queensland set-up."

Sattler, who came up with a memorable try-saving tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne while playing for Penrith in the 2003 NRL grand final, said McQueen could be a real weapon if used smartly off the bench.

"It could be a toss-up between Matt Gillett and McQueen for a bench spot," he said.

"McQueen can play anywhere, whether it's back row, front row, centres or the wing."

And he said it was time to give Cherry-Evans a go, in the same manner Queensland gradually brought playmaker Cooper Cronk into its starting line-up after using him off the bench for the 2010 and 2011 series.

"Cherry-Evans could come on as a hooker and have an impact - it would be nice to see him somewhere in the 17," Sattler said.

Now coaching the Northern Rivers rep side in New South Wales, Sattler said he expected a close series with plenty of passion, adding new Blues coach Laurie Daley could do worse than consider a strong Roosters theme in his line-up.

"Having Boyd Cordner at lock, with James Maloney at No.6, Mitchell Pearce at No.7 and Michael Jennings in the centres would give them some familiarity," he said.